College is one of the most exciting yet stressful changes in a young adult's life. You are finally on your own, on your own journey. You get to be on your own and make your own choices. It's a time of lifelong learning, discovery, and growth as a person. You develop friendships you never thought you would have and you become more self aware of your actions and the consequences that follow. Freshmen year is one of the most thrilling and exciting changes in your life. It comes with good changes but some bad. As a previous freshman myself, I have been through a lot to shape me into the person I currently am. I had to learn my own tips on surviving some of the big changes that came my way. To help you out, here are some simple yet very helpful pieces of advice for my fellow freshmen out there.
1. Make sure not to pack too much.
As a former freshman myself, it is tempting to want to bring everything you own from home on your college adventure. However, it is not necessary to bring everything you own. You most likely will not use all of it and it will take up more space for things that may need room. A list usually helps narrow down your choices and keeps your organized.
2. Get involved!
It's easier said than done when you're brand new and still trying to find your place, but the sooner you get involved, the easier it will be to make long lasting friends. You don't have to be a member of every club. Find clubs that are the closest to your own interests, hobbies, and passions. You will be surprised how many people you can relate to and find a lot in common with.
3. Lay down ground rules with your roommate.
This is a time where you will have to share living space with someone who may be completely different from you. Your roommate is not always your best friend or someone you have tons in common with. Make sure you lay down the ground rules right away and let them know what you expect. This will make things easier if conflict arises or something goes wrong. This is a person you are usually stuck with for a semester to an entire year, so make it count! Respect should be mutual on both sides at all times.
4. Figure out what study habits work best.
Everyone has their own ways of learning, and college is no different. Find useful studying tips that help you and stick with them. Everyone learns differently and college courses are a lot more work and take up more of your time. It's best to find good studying tips and go to tutoring sessions if you find a course to be more difficult for you.
5. Get to know your advisor.
You will be assigned an academic advisor during your years of college. This advisor may stay the same or change throughout your time in college, depending on what works best for you. Make sure to go to your advisor when you need help or have questions about your major, course load, or other career goals. It's important that the relationship between you and your advisor is a good one. Showing up more than just once a semester really will benefit you in the long-run.
6. Get organized!![]()
Before college, being organized seemed to be easier and tips were given to you early on. In college, you learn your own technique of staying organized and keeping things in order. Find a good plan to stay organized and keep coursework separate and in different tabs/folders. Classes are spread out, so having everything in separate folders will help you to keep important papers together.
7. Remember to focus on your health. 
It's not easy to balance academics, social time, and making your health a priority. However, there is plenty of time you can set aside for yourself. Even if it is just for an hour a day, exercise is a good idea when you have a meal plan. Staying fit, eating right, finding healthy alternatives to what is normally at the dining hall can help you stay in shape and avoid gaining excess weight. You will also feel more energized during the day when you have to walk from class to class.
8. Try to stay on campus on most weekends
Freshmen have a tendency to miss home a lot, so they like to go home on weekends. During your first year, sticking around on weekends can help you make friends easier and be more involved. A lot of events happen on weekends that most miss because they are not on campus. During this first year, it's a good idea to stay at college, even if you don't feel like it at first. This will help you blend in and you'll get to know a lot of new people fast.
9. Always use the course syllabus as an outline for your study plans
In high school, the syllabus might have just been a rough outline of the rules and minimal requirements of the class. In college, the syllabus is the class itself, Every course has different requirements, grading scales, rules, and expectations. The syllabus will tell you what material you will cover, chapters to read for lecture, projects that are due and when, and other important info about the course you will need to do well. Always read and use the syllabus for each of your classes. It is really helpful for you to be successful in the course.
10. Don't forget where you belong 
Freshmen are in that time of their life where they are starting a new chapter of their lives, and they want to be as independent as possible. However, don't forget to keep your family updated on your college life and involve them when you can. They love to see what you are doing and what you're accomplishing. It's a big transition in their life and it really helps to keep them up to date.
